In Washoe County, the round up has occurred twice a year since the fall of 2009. The round up provides a way for citizens to get rid of old, unused medications from their homes, so that they cannot fall into the hands of youth or adults who might abuse them. The effort is also designed to help minimize the potential for pollution of water supplies and the impact on pets and wildlife as a result of improper disposing of medications by flushing them down toilets.

Saturday’s round up was a tremendous success, and as a result of the operation a total of 113,279 prescription pills were collected and logged, in addition to many prescription liquids, creams, and inhalers. These medications will now be safely destroyed so that they cannot end up in the hands of those who might abuse them. Through the eight prescription drug round ups that have occurred in Washoe County over the last three years, a total of 867,007 pills have been turned in and safely destroyed.

For those community members who did not have a chance to participate in the event, permanent prescription drug drop boxes are now in place in the lobbies of the Reno Police Department, Sparks Police Department and Washoe County Sheriff’s Office. Citizens can drop unwanted prescription pills in these drop boxes during business hours. Liquids and sharps are not accepted in the drop boxes.

Further information on the proper disposal of unused or unwanted prescription drugs can be located at www.jtnn.org. If you have any questions regarding the Round-Up event, you are encouraged to call Stacy Shamblin, Drug Abuse Prevention Coordinator for the Reno Police Department at 657-4794.